Fire, Health & Safety

New EU regulation changes how construction cable is imported into Europe BASEC, the British Approvals Service for Cables (BASEC) has launched its large-scale vertical ladder fire test used for Construction Products Regulation (CPR), EN 50399, and the full range of vertical ladder tests to the IEC 60332-3-21/25 series to the cable industry. This coincides with the official launch of the […]

The new chairman of the UK’s largest fire door certification scheme has sounded a stark warning about fire safety in UK buildings. David Oldfield, head of joinery at Arnold Laver, has been voted as chairman of the BWF-CERTIFIRE Scheme. He replaces David Paxton, technical director at Premdor. David Oldfield said that safety had seen major breakthroughs in the last few […]

Tyco, believed to be the world’s largest fire protection and security company, has announced the acquisition of First Choice Facilities Limited (FCF). The purchase of the UK-based fire safety and security business will play an integral role in Tyco’s continued focus on fire detection and commitment to the highest levels of customer support and service. With over 20 years’ experience, […]

Fire Design Solutions (FDS) has completed work on a prestigious commercial project within the Southbank’s new London Bridge Quarter, developed by Sellar in partnership with the State of Qatar. Standing next to The Shard, The Place – now known as the News Building and occupied by News UK – is an innovative headquarters building providing 40,000sq m of premium office […]

Air and water treatment services company, Airmec, has won a three-year contract to monitor the quality of domestic water at 25 sites for Avon Fire & Rescue. Airmec will also be reviewing risk assessments for each site in line with latest legislation on legionella and pseudomonas control, and other hazards. The new contract coincides with a major investment programme designed […]

SPIE, independent European multi-technical services, has acquired Scotshield Fire and Security. The move, which will enable SPIE to develop its expertise in Intelligent Buildings, sees it entering a new market which demonstrates natural affiliations with its existing services portfolio. Established in Scotland, in 1998, Scotshield provides fire detection, security alarms, access control and closed circuit television systems. Its service offering […]

Swimming pool owners should include staff communications in their annual reviews of water safety, according to air and water services specialists Airmec. Different working patterns and practices mean that there is often little interface between poolside staff and the facilities managers and engineering teams. This can lead to mistaken assumptions about who does what and can increase the risk of […]

New legislation introduced this year and the increasing costs of false alarms mean that now is the time to examine fire safety in buildings. Derrick Hall, Head of Fire Products for Siemens Building Technologies outlines the latest products, regulations and standards. There can be little doubt that fire safety in buildings is a top priority for designers, installers, owners and […]

HEVAC president Mike Nankivell considers the regulations relating to fire and smoke dampers, and considers how the challenges of meeting legislation on their use and maintenance are best met through cooperation between manufacturers, installers and end-users. Fire dampers are one of those pieces of building services equipment that remain hidden from sight, but which must not be forgotten in spite […]